As a member of the older generation I only ever wear trousers for smart and work and jeans for everything else. I decided I'd like to be a bit more stylish and wore a dress for a wedding evening reception recently; I felt fairly uncomfortable, which is what you don't want to feel on an informal occasion.

I'd go in a smart casual outfit. I've never had to face this particular situation before as my boyfriend is an orphan and has been since the age of 2 and he's the only man that it would have ever got to the meeting the parents stage. He does have an auntie that brought him up but I haven't met her yet as she lives in his country of origin which is halfway across the world. However, from speaking to friends and relatives who have done the whole meeting the parents thing, smart casual is always the way to go.